PUNAKHA TSHECHU
FESTIVAL TOUR / PUNAKHA TSHECHU
Punakha Tshechu
Punakha Tshechu, a vibrant festival celebrated at the Punakha Dzong in Bhutan. This festival showcases colorful masked dances, traditional music, and religious rituals, offering a unique cultural experience:
Day 1: Arrival in Paro
Arrive at Paro International Airport, Bhutan. Meet your tour guide and transfer to your hotel in Paro. After lunch, visit the National Museum of Bhutan, housed in the historic Ta Dzong (watchtower). Explore the museum’s impressive collection of artifacts, artwork, and exhibits showcasing Bhutanese history and culture. Take a leisurely stroll around Paro town, visiting local markets and shops. Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in Paro, sampling Bhutanese cuisine. Stay overnight at a hotel in Paro.
Day 2: Paro to Punakha
After breakfast, drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan. En route, stop at Dochula Pass to enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayan Mountain ranges. Visit the Druk Wangyel Lhakhang and explore the temple complex. Have lunch at a restaurant near Dochula Pass, enjoying Bhutanese cuisine. Continue your journey to Punakha, descending into the subtropical Punakha Valley. Visit Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the “Temple of Fertility,” dedicated to Drukpa Kunley, the Divine Madman. Check into your hotel in Punakha and relax after the day’s journey. Enjoy a leisurely evening, perhaps strolling around Punakha town or taking in the serene ambiance of the riverbanks. Have dinner at your hotel or at a local restaurant, savoring Bhutanese dishes. Stay overnight at a hotel in Punakha.
Day 3: Punakha Tshechu Festival Day
Attend the Punakha Tshechu at the Punakha Dzong. Witness the colorful masked dances, traditional music, and religious rituals performed by monks and laymen. Explore the festival grounds, where stalls sell local crafts, food, and souvenirs. Enjoy a picnic lunch at Punakha Dzong, surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the Punakha Valley. Continue to immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere and cultural performances at the Punakha Tshechu. Return to your hotel in Punakha. Have dinner at your hotel or at a local restaurant. Stay overnight at a hotel in Punakha.
Day 4: Punakha to Paro
After breakfast, drive back to Paro. Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan, dating back to the 7th century. Have lunch at a restaurant in Paro, tasting traditional Bhutanese delicacies. Explore Paro town, visiting local markets, shops, and cafes. If time permits, visit other attractions in Paro, such as the Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) or the Rinpung Dzong. Enjoy a farewell dinner at a restaurant in Paro, reminiscing about your experiences in Bhutan. Stay overnight at a hotel in Paro.
Day 5: Departure from Bhutan
After breakfast, check out from your hotel. Transfer to Paro International Airport for your departure flight. Bid farewell to Bhutan as you board your flight, carrying cherished memories of the Punakha Tshechu and your experiences in the Land of the Thunder Dragon.
Arrive at Paro International Airport, Bhutan. Meet your tour guide and transfer to your hotel in Paro. After lunch, visit the National Museum of Bhutan, housed in the historic Ta Dzong (watchtower). Explore the museum’s impressive collection of artifacts, artwork, and exhibits showcasing Bhutanese history and culture. Take a leisurely stroll around Paro town, visiting local markets and shops. Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in Paro, sampling Bhutanese cuisine. Stay overnight at a hotel in Paro.
Day 2: Paro to Punakha
After breakfast, drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan. En route, stop at Dochula Pass to enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayan Mountain ranges. Visit the Druk Wangyel Lhakhang and explore the temple complex. Have lunch at a restaurant near Dochula Pass, enjoying Bhutanese cuisine. Continue your journey to Punakha, descending into the subtropical Punakha Valley. Visit Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the “Temple of Fertility,” dedicated to Drukpa Kunley, the Divine Madman. Check into your hotel in Punakha and relax after the day’s journey. Enjoy a leisurely evening, perhaps strolling around Punakha town or taking in the serene ambiance of the riverbanks. Have dinner at your hotel or at a local restaurant, savoring Bhutanese dishes. Stay overnight at a hotel in Punakha.
Day 3: Punakha Tshechu Festival Day
Attend the Punakha Tshechu at the Punakha Dzong. Witness the colorful masked dances, traditional music, and religious rituals performed by monks and laymen. Explore the festival grounds, where stalls sell local crafts, food, and souvenirs. Enjoy a picnic lunch at Punakha Dzong, surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the Punakha Valley. Continue to immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere and cultural performances at the Punakha Tshechu. Return to your hotel in Punakha. Have dinner at your hotel or at a local restaurant. Stay overnight at a hotel in Punakha.
Day 4: Punakha to Paro
After breakfast, drive back to Paro. Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan, dating back to the 7th century. Have lunch at a restaurant in Paro, tasting traditional Bhutanese delicacies. Explore Paro town, visiting local markets, shops, and cafes. If time permits, visit other attractions in Paro, such as the Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) or the Rinpung Dzong. Enjoy a farewell dinner at a restaurant in Paro, reminiscing about your experiences in Bhutan. Stay overnight at a hotel in Paro.
Day 5: Departure from Bhutan
After breakfast, check out from your hotel. Transfer to Paro International Airport for your departure flight. Bid farewell to Bhutan as you board your flight, carrying cherished memories of the Punakha Tshechu and your experiences in the Land of the Thunder Dragon.
Price Includes :
- A minimum of 3-star accommodation (4 & 5 stars can be upgraded at an additional fee)
- All meals / Tea & snacks
- All internal transport (excluding Domestic flights)
- Sightseeing with entrance fees
- An experienced English speaking tour leader
- Bottled water in the vehicle
- SDF (Sustainable Development Fees/Government Fees) & Visa Fees
Price Excludes :
- Flights
- Travel & Health Insurance
- Additional personal expenses such as souvenirs, meals, snacks, alcohol, laundry, tips, and gratuities for the tour leader and staff.
